Matsue Castle – 松江城

Completed in 1611 and one of only 12 remaining original castles nationwide, Matsue Castle was built over a five-year period by Horio Yoshiharu, feudal lord and founder of Matsue. It was designated as a national treasure in 2015.

The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and decor is often compared to the wings of a plover bird (‘chidori’), which has led to the castle’s nickname, Plover Castle (‘chidori-jo’). There is a museum inside, and the top floor offers a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the city.

Admission fee	Matsue Castle: Adults ¥800 (¥1,200 from July 1st) Book your ticket online https://www.asoview.com/channel/tickets/QkJoFNiQc1/
Hours	Open 7 days a week [Entry to the Central Bailey] Apr.-Sept. 8:00 - 18:30 Oct.-Mar. 8:00 - 17:30 [Entry to the Castle Tower] Apr.-Sept. 8:30 - 18:00 (Entry by 17:30) Oct.-Mar. 8:30 -17:00 (Entry by 16:30)
URL	http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/m_castle/ (Japanese)
Tel	0852-21-4030
Access	2 kilometres from JR Matsue Station. 10 minutes by Ichibata bus, disembark at Kencho-mae bus stop (in front of Shimane Prefectural Office).